Old Kent and WMU form promotional partnership

Aug. 8, 2000

KALAMAZOO -- The Western Michigan University Department of
Intercollegiate Athletics and Old Kent Bank have agreed to a
major partnership that guarantees giveaway items at all home
football, men's and women's basketball, hockey and volleyball
events for the next three years. The items will reward Bronco
fans that arrive early to each contest.

The first 5,000 fans at every WMU football game will receive
premium items such as a bike bottle, a set of Bronco trading
cards or other souvenirs. For basketball, hockey and volleyball
events, fans will typically have to be among the first 1,000
in attendance to receive premium items.

"We want people to leave our buildings with a closer
tie to the Broncos," says Director of Sports Marketing Chris
Hanna. "By providing a Bronco item at every event, we hope
fans will be reminded of the great time they had in our venue
and wish to return for another great event."

"Old Kent Bank has historically been a large supporter
of the Kalamazoo community," stated John Paul, president
of Old Kent Bank. "This opportunity with Western Michigan
University allows us to partner with an important institution
while also giving back to the Western Michigan University fans."

Attendance at home events has increased across the board for
Bronco sports. In football, WMU has broken the Mid-American Conference
single-game home attendance record three times while in women's
basketball, the Broncos have drawn record school crowds for a
single-game and season. WMU is also the defending MAC volleyball
attendance champion.

"The Bronco product and image continue to improve,"
Hanna says. "Much of our improvement can be directly attributed
to the growing fan base. This partnership will allow us to reward
the Bronco fans for making the difference at our home events.
We are very grateful to Old Kent Bank for making this partnership
possible."

Information on promotional dates will be available at wmubroncos.com
throughout the 2000-01 season.